Escape Fitness, a global leader in innovative fitness solutions, has unveiled Octagon LOAD or “LOAD”, a groundbreaking strength and functional training system. Developed from years of industry expertise and global insights, LOAD addresses critical challenges faced by fitness facilities, offering a versatile, safe and engaging, results-driven solution that meets the rising demand for athletic strength training.
Gold’s Gym SoCal in Fullerton, California, known for its commitment to cutting-edge fitness, has set a new benchmark by becoming the first facility in the US to install LOAD.
Owned by Angel and Willie Banos, like many other gyms, Gold’s Gym SoCal was facing overcrowding in its high-demand free-weight area, negatively impacting the member experience. To overcome this, the team worked with Escape Fitness to transform an underutilized children’s club room into a dedicated functional training space. The room integrates Escape’s unique next generation athletic strength training system – Octagon LOAD and members are charged an additional fee to access this pioneering training concept.
The Octagon LOAD system isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a complete training solution, catering for all levels of fitness and ability. Complemented by a range of carefully selected Escape Frames and training aids, the new training ‘box’ provides personal trainers with the perfect space for one-to-one and small group training. Following success in Fullerton, this model is set for rollout across other Gold’s Gym SoCal locations.
Matthew Januszek, Escape Fitness USA, CEO, explains: “Strength training is no longer the reserve of elite athletes or bodybuilders; it’s a cornerstone of fitness for people of all ages and abilities. After 3 years of research and conversations with leading operators, athletes, and coaches, built on a lifetime of experience working in the fitness industry, Escape Fitness has created a circuit-based system for the general population that efficiently stimulates muscle.”
Designed and manufactured at the Escape Technologies facility in the UK by Escape’s in-house team of specialist engineers, LOAD combines the benefits of traditional plate-loaded machines with advanced variable resistance technology. High-tensile resistance bands promote continuous muscle engagement throughout movements, particularly at the end range of motion, maximizing strength gains.
Octagon LOAD features five bolt-down stations—SQUAT, DRIVE, LIFT, PRESS, and ROW, powered by advanced variable resistance technology. By integrating tensile bands with traditional plates, the system delivers seamless and precise resistance transitions between sets. Unlike conventional equipment, all exercises are performed in a standing position, fully engaging the kinetic chain for a comprehensive, full-body workout that’s faster, safer, and more space-efficient.
The installation is finished in Gold’s Gym’s iconic black and gold color scheme, creating a visually striking, high-energy environment that embodies Gold’s Gym’s dedication to performance-focused training.
By placing Octagon LOAD at the heart of its new training zone, Gold’s Gym SoCal has set a new standard in functional fitness and athletic strength training, attracting a loyal member base while delivering operational efficiencies and new revenue streams. As the first U.S. location to debut Octagon LOAD, Fullerton’s Gold’s Gym is truly leading the fitness revolution.
“The team at SoCal are excited to have been the first in the world to offer LOAD to their community. The concept brings a whole new dimension to athletic strength training. The standing position means every muscle is engaged in every movement, accelerating the training effect, whilst the integration of resistance bands improves precision and cuts down on transition times.
“Working with Escape is always a great experience. The equipment not only engineered to deliver a faultless training experience, it is also extremely robust. We have some of California’s biggest, most experienced, powerlifters using our facility and the Escape equipment is more than up to the job.” Jason Talyor, VP of Facilities.
Januszek adds: “Working with one of the world’s most experienced and respected fitness educators, Tommy Matthews, we have developed a comprehensive suite of LOAD education materials available both in-person and digitally.” Januszek adds. “We are also developing content for our MARS digital training system, so users will be able to access digital content anytime to help them execute movements safely and effectively.”
To view the full Gold’s Gym Fullerton case study, visit www.escapefitness.com/us/case-studies/golds-gym-fullerton.
To learn more about Octagon LOAD and how it could enhance your facility and training offer, visit www.escapefitness.com or contact the team to arrange a demonstration.
Escape Fitness is a leader in the fitness field, constantly looking to push the boundaries of what is possible and make the ordinary extraordinary.
Founded in 1998, Escape Fitness has built a reputation for product innovation, quality and design while growing and competing through great partnerships in multiple markets worldwide. Escape has helped improve the bottom lines of over 1000 fitness clubs and key distributors in 80 countries. Committed to functional training, Escape works with clubs to deliver the best possible exercise experiences; the company encourages both fitness professionals and their clients to ‘Escape Your Limits’ – a mentality that is the foundation of every Escape Fitness offering.
elizabeth.morgan@escapefitness.com
